Iztaccihuatl

Summit Mexico’s Itzaccihuatl, the eighth highest peak in North America. This trip is an excellent introduction to high-altitude, international mountaineering and features breathtaking views of the Mexican high country, including Izta’s neighbor, the active volcano Popocatepetl. Nicknamed the “Sleeping Lady,” Izta rises high above the Mexico City Valley. From a distance, the features of its long, iconic summit ridge resemble a woman’s head, breast, belly, knees and feet. Climbers traverse over and around these features on their way to the summit, making Iztaccihuatl one of the planet’s most unique and enjoyable high-altitude volcanic climbs.

Mountain Gurus’ Iztaccihuatl Expedition is an ideal choice for anyone who aspires to climb big, glaciated mountains. At 17,160 feet (5,230 meters), Izta combines the rigors of high altitude climbing with relatively moderate terrain. It is an excellent training ground for taller, more difficult peaks such as el Pico de Orizaba, Cotopaxi, Elbrus or Aconcagua. At just six days, the Izta itinerary is also a good choice for those with limited free time.

Before ascending Iztaccihuatl, our expedition acclimatizes on Nevado de Toluca (15,350 ft) near the picturesque colonial city of Toluca. Also known as Volcan Xinantecatl, “the Naked Lord,” Nevado de Toluca is the fourth tallest peak in Mexico. Two beautiful lakes occupy its expansive summit crater: Lago del Sol, the “Lake of the Sun,” and Lago de la Luna, the “Lake of the Moon.”

From Nevado de Toluca we drive to Iztaccihuatl, Mexico’s third tallest mountain. We overnight at the historic Hacienda Panoaya in Amecameca at the foot of the mountain. Then we drive through Paso de Cortes, the saddle between Izta and Popocatepetl, to our basecamp refuge at 13,000 feet. From the La Joya Trailhead, we climb the mountain via the Arista del Sol or “Ridge of the Sun.” To shorten our summit day, we spend one night at a high camp at 15,400 feet. Our expedition is supported by high-altitude porters, allowing us to enjoy our ascent without the burden of heavy packs.

We suggest arriving in Mexico City one day early to acclimatize and visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids, a famous pre-Aztec archaeological site, before climbing Nevado de Toluca.

Combine our Orizaba and Iztaccihuatl climbs and summit four of Mexico’s highest volcanoes (12 days in Mexico).

If you’re seeking a high-altitude adventure where you can learn the fundamentals of international expedition mountaineering, Iztaccihuatl is an excellent option. It is the eighth highest peak in North America, and it offers a spectacular climbing experience. On the standard Arista del Sol Route, we traverse the mountain’s long skyline with the lights of Puebla and the Mexico City Valley spread out far below us. Short sections of rock scrambling and glacier travel take us to the summit with the smoking cone of Popocatepetl immediately to the south.

Our Iztaccihuatl Express itinerary allows you to experience some of the best mountaineering that Mexico has to offer. If you would like to climb Mexico’s tallest peak, too, consider extending your trip to include El Pico de Orizaba (18,491 feet), the third tallest mountain in North America.

Iztaccihuatl is a non-technical climb accessible to anyone with good endurance and strong physical fitness. During the expedition, our professional guides will teach you the crampon and ice axe skills you need to safely reach the summit. Climbers will benefit from some previous backpacking or trekking experience.

As with any popular high-altitude peak, you have many guide services to choose from, but whether or not you summit depends largely on the experience of your guides. Our team of professional guides has decades of experience on the world’s tallest peaks, including numerous summits of Iztaccihuatl. Our teams routinely achieve 100% success on Mexico’s highest volcanoes.